Workshops

"WHETHER YOU SUCCEED OR NOT IS IRRELEVANT, THERE IS NO SUCH THING. MAKING YOUR UNKNOWN KNOWN IS THE ONLY IMPORTANT THING." - GEORGIA O'KEEFE

By participating in Alice Ballard’s workshops, I look forward to learning new clay and glaze techniques that will expand my clay sculpture repertoire. At the same time, having the chance to experiment with these techniques in an inspirational and rewarding environment created by a wonderful teacher and artist.

— Elizabeth A. Apple

What to expect from a workshop that I am teaching....

My workshops are open to all levels from beginner to professional. College academic or CEU credit are generally attainable if desired. I first experienced this openness to all levels as a student at Penland and later as an instructor.

I believe curiosity and a desire to learn new things are great virtues...

My workshops are about being open to new ideas, risk taking, having a pleasurable experience and "yes"; often breaking the rules just to see what happens. I demonstrate many techniques and share many ideas about working with clay as a medium, but you will be free to follow your own path at a pace that suits you.

Your choice of what to make and techniques to use can be as broad or as focused as you want. It is, after all, your journey in clay, creativity and life. Keep in mind that there are no mistakes in the process of working with clay. Just enjoy your process of discovery and allow yourself to be guided by your instincts and intuition. Each participant has an individual experience based on what they choose to take from the ideas and techniques presented.

Alice teaches more than techniques. She cultivates a conversation between the clay and the student. I found myself approaching even the most basic techniques with excitement and was surprised by how fluidly ideas formed into objects. Alice creates such a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that fear of inferiority or failure evaporate.